The Permanent Delegations to UNESCO ensure liaison between Member States' Governments and the Organization's Secretariat.
     At present, 174 Member States have established Permanent Delegations to UNESCO. In addition, there are 2 Permanent Observers and 10 Intergovernmental organizations with Permanent Observer Missions to UNESCO.
     The Permanent Delegations are headed by a person having diplomatic status (generally with the rank of ambassador). When a Permanent Delegate is appointed to the Organization, the appointment is the subject of an official communication addressed to the Director-General of the Organization.
     Broad consultations are held on a regular basis with the Permanent Delegations on important matters to the functioning of the Organization and its activities.